India bars Sikh pilgrimage to Pakistan, move sparks criticism
Pakistan holds symbolic border reception after India blocks pilgrims from attending religious event honoring fifth Sikh Guru
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — The Indian government has barred Sikh pilgrims from traveling to Pakistan for the annual martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru of Sikhism.
According to The Express Tribune, the pilgrims were scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on June 9 to attend the commemorations at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Lahore on June 16.
However, citing ongoing diplomatic tensions and border closures, Indian authorities refused to grant travel permission — a move religious leaders say undermines basic religious freedoms.
In response, Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) and the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) hosted a symbolic reception at Lahore’s Wagah border on Sunday. The event brought together members of the Sikh, Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities in a show of solidarity and interfaith unity.
“Unfortunately, this year the Indian government has not only denied permission to its pilgrims but has also kept the Kartarpur Corridor closed,” said Saifullah Khokhar, Additional Secretary Shrines. “Despite strained relations, Pakistan’s doors remain open to Indian Sikh pilgrims 24/7.”
Under a bilateral agreement, up to 1,000 Sikh pilgrims from India are allowed to travel to Pakistan for the martyrdom anniversary each year. Pakistan had previously issued 7,000 visas to Indian pilgrims for Vaisakhi celebrations in April, underscoring its continued willingness to host religious visitors.
PSGPC President Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora condemned India’s decision, calling it a violation of religious freedom. “Respecting religious freedoms is a fundamental responsibility of every country,” he said. “India has undermined religious harmony and hurt the sentiments of Sikh pilgrims by preventing them from visiting Pakistan. The continued closure of the Kartarpur Corridor is part of this policy.”
Also attending the reception were ETPB Chairman Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan, Lahore’s Krishna Mandir priest Pandit Kashi Ram, Balmiki community representative Amarnath Randhawa, and custodian of Hazrat Mian Mir’s shrine Makhdoom Syed Ali Raza Gillani — all of whom called for greater interfaith understanding and open access to religious sites.
Pakistan has reiterated that its doors remain open to Sikh pilgrims and expressed hope that Indian Sikhs would still be able to visit for the upcoming pilgrimage marking the anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
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